Now signed to Blue Note, France based Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa's profile has never been higher with this Michael League produced release featuring the pianist's own very contemporary sounding compositions and a band who include harmonica wiz Grégoire Maret, bassist Luques Curtis, conguero Bárbaro “Machito” Crespo and Harold’s brother Ruy Adrián López-Nussa on drums. Timba sees a departure in López-Nussa's use of electric instruments and synthesizers and the whole thing sparkles with a vibrant rumba danceable feel. His playing joy got me thinking of the exuberance of Monty Alexander a bit and certainly like Monty there is plenty of spirit factored in everywhere you look. The heat is on.